Checking & adding engine coolant DIY

[Seamus]

Originally Posted by dailowill

It's probably really deep inside the coolant reservoir. Did you check with a flash light or top off the coolant?

there was a yellow marker/symbol inside that said "MAX" or something to that effect. So i added about .25l until the coolant reached that. Hopefully that works

[dailowill]

Originally Posted by jamesey271975

there was a yellow marker/symbol inside that said "MAX" or something to that effect. So i added about .25l until the coolant reached that. Hopefully that works

It seems like BMW decided to change their coolant indicator between certain models or years.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716484
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1079174

I think you're good.

[Seamus]

His car is exact same model as mine and coolant tank looks identical!

thanks mate

[thechidz]

Thank you! Mines low so I'm adding a few ounces of distilled water

[thechidz]

Originally Posted by jamesey271975

ive been getting the low coolant warning for the last 3 days. checked it today and theres no dip stick in there? WTH?

Mine also looked like it wasn't there until I added a few cups of distilled water and it popped back up. I am going to grab some bmw coolant and do a 50/50 mix if it gets low again

[Dackelone]

Here is a good video on how important it is to use the "correct" fluid in German cars. I know this is for VW's but it also applies to BMW cooling systems too.

[bmw1racer]

Heads up: One gallon coolant (BMW #82141467704) on sale at Amazon... $25.90 with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-8214146770...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

[ianc]

$19.98 at getbmwparts.com. Got to pay shipping though...

ianc

[BimmerxVision]

Originally Posted by brow0814

This might be a dumb question— what is the significant difference between the BMW fluid and Prestone (green) and another orange/red anti-freeze?

Scott

Using non bmw coolant can be corrosive to the OEM plastic coolant flanges and the internal passages of the engine due to the chemicals put in other colored coolants by non OEM manufacturers, if it’s bmw approved it will say so on the bottle but I’ve only ever used blue colored coolant, I bought my 1 series used and it was full of green coolant and I ended up flushing the coolant system and replacing the fluids with blue bmw coolant, the green coolant had already done its damage to my coolant flanges and hoses and needed to be replaced it disintegrated my coolant flange plastics to the point that upon removal it crumbled into pieces.

[e4603]

Originally Posted by BimmerxVision

I bought my 1 series used and it was full of green coolant

BMW HT12 coolant is green, and it is compatible with BMW G48 blue.
But yes, good idea to change it if there no documented history.